Dynasty Nerds 
Draft Nerds 
NerdHerd 
Welcome to the second 2027 Rookie Big Board from Dynasty Nerds. This edition is brought to you by Senior NFL Prospect Analyst Keith Ensminger. In our big board series, we highlight 25 (and more) future NFL prospects for dynasty fantasy football rookie drafts.
We’ve been talking about the 2027 rookie draft class in glowing terms for many months, and it’s time to see if they’re going to hold up their end of the bargain.
Even the most casual football fans likely know the names at the top, but dynasty championships aren’t built solely on hitting the lottery with a consensus 1.01 mega-prospect like Jeremiah Smith. True roster depth and perennial playoff runs are earned by learning the names of the rest of the group. This is where the draft gets truly interesting, and it’s where we at Dynasty Nerds pride ourselves on earning your eyes and ears.
And this rookie class has it all. Portal-hopping wide receivers stepping into prominent roles. Workhorse running backs capable of redefining a team’s ground game. Quarterbacks with the tools to shift the landscape of the NFL and our SuperFlex leagues.
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Let’s dive into the next wave of future fantasy football prospects!
2027 Rookie Big Board for NFL Prospects
Tier 1 – Going Joyless in 2026 for Jeremiah Smith
No. 1 | Jeremiah Smith | WR | Ohio State | 6’3’’ | 223 lbs
My longtime dynasty strategy is “it’s all about the quarterbacks”, but this year? Jeremiah Smith is the exception to that rule.
Smith arrived at Ohio State as the undisputed crown jewel of his recruiting class. What’s more impressive? He instantly validated the hype, torching Big Ten secondaries to shatter Cris Carter’s freshman school records and helping fuel a National Championship run. Last season, he backed up his historic debut by hauling in 87 catches for 1,243 yards and 12 scores. With stats and the hardware to back it up (two-time Big Ten Receiver of the Year, a 2025 Unanimous All-American, a Rose Bowl Offensive MVP, and a National Championship), Jeremiah Smith is the premier offensive skill player in college football.
When elite talents like Ezekiel Elliott, Trevor Lawrence, and Saquon Barkley burst onto the dynasty scene as rookies, they were immediately valued as first-round startup picks. Jeremiah Smith will be no exception. When projecting his game to the next level, Smith draws comparisons to physically dominant receivers like Julio Jones. At his size, he wins with a rare combination of brute strength, a massive catch radius, and speed that leaves even the best corners in the dust. Smith is nearly immune to press coverage, and his elite body control lets him pluck contested balls out of the air like I haven’t seen since the days of Calvin Johnson. He is a lock to be a top-5 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft and likely the first non-quarterback off the board.
For managers who play in devy or Campus 2 Canton leagues, we’ve been counting down the days until Jeremiah Smith becomes a rookie in the NFL since he played his first snap with the Buckeyes. He is the ultimate prize, elevating this rookie class to the stratosphere. While I normally preach that elite quarterback draft capital should dominate the 1.01 conversation in SuperFlex rookie drafts, elite wide receivers of Smith’s caliber offer a unique combination of immediate production, combined with decade-long roster insulation. Jeremiah Smith’s arrival in the NFL will instantly alter the landscape of our dynasty leagues.
Tier 2 – The Quarterbacks – Upside, Anchor, and Legacy
No. 2A | LaNorris Sellers | QB | South Carolina | 6’3’’ | 240 lbs
After Jeremiah, let’s turn our attention to my top quarterbacks in the 2027 NFL Draft. Each of the next three players represents a different flavor for your dynasty rookie drafts. Are you aiming for the player with the highest upside? If so, let me tell you about LaNorris Sellers.
After a brief redshirt season in 2023, Sellers burst onto the national scene as one of the most physically imposing signal-callers in college football. The following season, he threw for 2,534 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 674 yards and 7 scores on the ground. He earned both SEC Freshman of the Year and was named to the Freshman All-American team. Though the Gamecocks faced heavy offensive line regressions during a grueling 2025 season, Sellers still managed to put up 2,437 passing yards and 13 touchdowns to go along with 5 rushing scores. Despite rampant offseason transfer portal speculation, Sellers remained fiercely loyal to his home state team.
Built like a linebacker, Sellers naturally draws physical comparisons to quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Cam Newton. That said, I’ve seen many dismiss Sellers as the next Anthony Richardson, and I want to emphasize here that I just don’t see that at all. Sellers is already a better passer of the football than Richardson ever was, and even before going into this season, Sellers has more quality starts under his belt. With an absolute rocket launcher for an arm, he is a threat to make a big play on any snap, whether it be through his accurate deep passing or his rushing ability. He needs to work on his ball security and accuracy on short-area throws, but he has the arm talent to drive throws into tight windows against some of the best secondaries in college football. Like Jaxson Dart, Sellers profiles perfectly as an RPO-heavy, dual-threat quarterback in the NFL, tailor-made for a coaching staff that will use his rushing ability while also stretching defenses with a vertical passing game.
While many of the other players I’ll be diving into later may project as “safer” real-world draft picks, this is a dynasty fantasy football Big Board. I’m not alone on the LaNorris Sellers island! Could Dante Moore and Arch Manning have better NFL careers than Sellers? Perhaps, but let’s look back to the 2018 quarterback class for a moment. Sam Darnold may have won a Super Bowl, but Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are the two quarterbacks from that group who have won you the most fantasy weeks, right? Sellers has that same type of golden fantasy football profile we want in our quarterbacks to tilt the scales in fantasy matchups.
No. 2B | Dante Moore | QB | Oregon | 6’3’’ | 206 lbs
If LaNorris Sellers represents a loot box, potentially containing a legendary rare item, Dante Moore is the sure thing starter kit that gives you immediate, predictable production from day one. Despite the almost-assured likelihood of being a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Moore decided to return to Oregon for one final season. He will have a high bar to meet last season’s output, where he turned in a masterful campaign with the Ducks, throwing for 3,565 passing yards and 30 touchdowns while completing nearly 72% of his passes. He guided Oregon deep into the college football postseason, culminating in a Peach Bowl loss to eventual champion Indiana.
In stark contrast to LaNorris Sellers’ rushing talents, Dante Moore’s game draws comparisons to efficient pocket passers like C.J. Stroud. He has excellent poise in the pocket, great anticipation, and a quick release that allows him to carve up zone coverage, most notably down the seam. While he doesn’t provide rushing upside, Moore isn’t just a statue, either. He is elusive in the pocket, showing creativity on the move while maintaining vision downfield. Moore is an ideal fit for a West Coast or spread offense that will put demands on pre-snap reads and quick throws to open receivers.
For our dynasty rosters, Dante Moore represents a high-floor, premium quarterback asset that anchors a Superflex roster. While he doesn’t have the rushing upside of a dual-threat quarterback, his potential passing volume and pinpoint accuracy inside a high-powered system translate to sustained low-end QB1 stability. He is an incredibly safe target for dynasty managers hoping to get stability at the game’s most critical position.
No. 2C | Arch Manning | QB | Texas | 6’4’’ | 226 lbs
Bearing the most famous surname in modern football history, Arch Manning arrived at Texas as the consensus five-star, number-one overall recruit that devy players joked about drafting when he was still in diapers. Patiently waiting behind established starter Quinn Ewers, Manning trusted the process in Austin before finally taking over as the full-time starter last season. Despite every eye in the football world on him, including a well-publicized opening game loss against a talented Ohio State defense, Arch answered with a solid season statistically, throwing for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions. Perhaps most surprisingly, Arch added 399 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
As one would guess, Arch has an advanced football IQ that shows up in his pre-snap adjustments and ability to progress through his reads. With a Joe Burrow-esque icy demeanor, he pairs the mental side of the game with a crisp release and an underrated ability to pick up yards with his legs when the pocket breaks down. That said, his first season as a starter was a bit of a roller coaster, struggling under pressure and leading to some issues with decision-making, especially against some of the better defenses he faced.
To most, Manning is the long-awaited blue-chip quarterback prize of the 2027 class. He’ll come into the league as an early draft pick, perhaps even first overall. Why do I have Manning below both Sellers and Moore? As I mentioned, Arch still feels a bit unpolished, with inconsistent mechanics and accuracy issues on short routes. Texas adapted their offense to cover up some of Manning’s issues in the early part of the season, changing from a vertical passing attack into a more lateral passing scheme. Now, last season was his first as a starter, so is this a case of me unfairly grading Arch on a curve? Maybe. We still have a full season of football to play, so he will have ample opportunity to fix these issues. No doubt all eyes will be on Texas and Arch Manning again throughout the 2026 college football season. With his family ties, it’s hard to imagine him falling outside the top five picks in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Tier 3 – High-end Dynasty Building Blocks
No. 5 | Cam Coleman | WR | Texas | 6’3’’ | 200 lbs
Yet another five-star recruit from this 2027 rookie class, Cam Coleman quickly lived up to his billing during his freshman season at Auburn in 2024, earning SEC All-Freshman honors after logging 37 catches for 598 yards and a team-high 8 touchdowns. Coleman took another leap forward as a sophomore in 2025 before entering the transfer portal and making a blockbuster move to Texas to pair up with Arch Manning under head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Much like Tee Higgins and George Pickens, Cam Coleman’s game is to be a vertical boundary target hog. With incredible body control and strong hands, his calling card is aerial aggression. Coleman profiles as a prototype “X” and will be a seamless fit for any NFL offense. Most early 2027 NFL mock drafts have Coleman going as an early first-round draft pick.
Having a player like Cam Coleman, who amazingly just turned 20-years old, ranked fifth on my Big Board shows the talent and depth of this draft class. Coleman’s relocation to Texas sent his rookie draft stock from orbit straight to the moon. No matter how you slice it, he is a locked-in high draft pick in this rookie class. Wide receivers with this combination of elite recruiting pedigree and immediate high-level SEC production are one of the surest bets we have in dynasty fantasy football. Is it April 2027 yet?
No. 6 | Kewan Lacy | RB | Ole Miss | 5’11’’ | 210 lbs
A highly coveted four-star recruit out of Texas, despite offers from schools like Alabama and Ohio State, Kewan Lacy began his collegiate career in Missouri. He transferred to Ole Miss to become a premier piece in head coach Lane Kiffin’s backfield, and after flashing potential early on, Lacy broke out in 2025, completely taking over the backfield. His workhorse numbers (306 carries for 1,567 yards and an insane 24 touchdowns) helped Ole Miss make a deep run into the College Football Playoff. Adding 29 receptions for 177 yards, it’s clear as to why Lacy enters this season as one of the most well-regarded prospects at running back in this draft class.
At a compact 5’11” and 210 pounds, Lacy’s running style is an explosive blend of power and short-area quickness, similar to Josh Jacobs. With sharp vision, he runs with a relentless motor and a low center of gravity, generating yards after contact against even the best defenders. Positionally, it’s tough for any running back in the modern era to be drafted on the first day of the NFL Draft, but Lacy has the talent to sneak in there. Regardless, even if he’s drafted in the second round, he is custom-made for an NFL rushing attack that requires a bruising tone-setter who can also keep defenses honest in the passing game.
There have only been 22 SEC running backs since 1980 who’ve had over 300 touches in a season, and you know many of their names. Derrick Henry. Herschel Walker. Darren McFadden. Shaun Alexander. Mark Ingram. Leonard Fournette. Emmitt Smith. Whew! Lacy has a long way to go to live up to those names, but the potential is certainly there. Dynasty managers will covet Lacy as a true, high-volume three-down workhorse, and he will be an incredible value in the middle of the first round of 2027 rookie drafts.
No. 7 | Jadan Baugh | RB | Florida | 6’1’’ | 225 lbs
As a high school senior, Jadan Baugh flipped his commitment from Arkansas to the Florida Gators. He was thrust into playing time as a freshman after injuries, making an immediate impact, including scoring a school-record five touchdowns in a victory over Kentucky. Last season, as a sophomore, Baugh anchored the Gators offense, rushing for 1,170 yards and 8 touchdowns. He was also able to showcase some chops in the passing game with 33 receptions for 210 yards and 2 additional scores. In the season’s final game against rival Florida State, Baugh led the Gators to a 40-21 victory by rushing for 266 yards and 2 touchdowns. When you hear Baugh mentioned in the same breath as Emmitt Smith at Florida, you know there’s some juice waiting to be squeezed.
With a new offensive coordinator and inexperienced quarterbacks, Jadan Baugh should be the focal point of the Florida offense this season. Similar to David Montgomery coming out of Iowa State, Baugh is a load to bring down in the open field. He has outstanding contact balance and great power between the tackles. What elevates Baugh from good to great, however, is his soft hands as a pass-catcher. Much like the running backs I’ve named ahead of him, Baugh is yet another three-down threat in this rookie class. Projected as a solid Day 2 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, he will be an immediate starter in the pros as both a check-down weapon and goal-line closer.
After the dud that was the 2026 rookie running back class, I think we’re going to look back and feel spoiled by this 2027 group. Baugh’s ability to catch passes while maintaining a heavy rushing load in the SEC gives him a high fantasy ceiling. In 2027 rookie drafts, expect Baugh to be a highly sought-after mid-to-late first-round pick. His size and projectable role at the next level should yield fantasy points right away with high-end RB2 production coupled with a clear path to even more.
Getting excited yet?
No. 8 | Justice Haynes | RB | Georgia Tech | 5’11’’ | 210 lbs
After consensus five-star recruit Justice Haynes stole the show in Alabama’s 2023 spring game with a three-touchdown performance, he earned a few shoutouts from legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban. The hype train left the station, but despite flashes of brilliance in a crowded Crimson Tide backfield, Haynes was never able to get a consistent workload. Seeking a larger workhorse opportunity, Haynes transferred to Michigan for the 2025 season, where he turned in a fantastic but injury-shortened campaign with 857 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on just 121 carries, averaging a staggering 7.1 yards per attempt. Following his stint in Ann Arbor, Haynes surprised the football world by first not declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, but then later by returning to his home state via a transfer to Georgia Tech
Haynes is an explosive, complete back in the mold of D’Andre Swift. He has an elite combination of contact balance and cutting ability, allowing him to leave defenders grasping at air before accelerating into the secondary. As evidenced by his many long-distance scoring runs, he is a true home-run threat every time he touches the ball. Haynes will fit best as the dynamic lead back for an NFL offense that can get him into space and utilize him as a weapon in the passing game, à la Jahmyr Gibbs.
For most of the 2025 season, I had Justice Haynes ranked above Jeremiyah Love as my top overall running back in the class. That’s how highly I regard Haynes. Although I am not thrilled with the transfer to Georgia Tech, he has already shown the ability to produce against both SEC and Big Ten defenses. The NFL is desperate for backfield talent, and Haynes is a three-down back with game-changing per-touch upside. Dynasty managers should be excited to insert him into their lineups from day one.
No. 9 | Nate Frazier | RB | Georgia | 5’10’’ | 205 lbs
I’m just going to put it out there now—I love Nate Frazier. A highly-touted prospect out of powerhouse Mater Dei High School in California, Frazier had his pick of offers from all over the country. He chose Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs and emerged as a pivotal piece of their offense last season. While it’s generally tough historically to get a firm grasp on running backs at Georgia, given their rotation to keep everyone fresh for their NFL future, Frazier looks the part when he gets the ball. His sophomore season ended in a playoff loss to Ole Miss where he had 15 carries for 86 yards. Will he be the next great back in Georgia’s storied pipeline?
I’m going to throw out a player comp that might make you roll your eyes, but I assure you I mean this positively. Frazier reminds me of Sony Michel, another Georgia running back. Although Michel’s professional career went sideways, he had his moments, including an outstanding playoff run to the Super Bowl with the Patriots as a rookie. Running with a naturally low center of gravity, Frazier excels at navigating tight spaces with good vision before exploding through the second level. A standout track athlete in high school, Frazier once ran a 10.58 seconds in the 100-meter dash.
In my nearly 50 years of watching football, from Hershel Walker to Nick Chubb to Todd Gurley, the “Running Back U” pedigree from Georgia always demands some extra helmet scouting attention. We’ll see what happens this season, but I think Frazier will live up to the legacy set before him. His balanced profile and SEC production place him comfortably on the list of top names we should be talking about for 2027 rookie drafts. I think Nate Frazier is not being talked about enough when it comes to the available talent in this class.
No. 10 | Isaac Brown | RB | Louisville | 5’9’’ | 190 lbs
We shift gears from the bruising three-down backs to a very different, yet productive, running back archetype. Isaac Brown is an explosive playmaker who began his career bursting onto the national scene as a freshman in 2024. After putting up over 1,100 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, he sustained the hype as a sophomore. Averaging an eye-popping 8.8 yards per carry on 101 carries, Brown entered the dynasty and NFL Draft zeitgeist, emerging as a player to watch heading into his junior year.
Despite his lighter 190-pound frame, Brown’s lightning-fast playmaking ability draws comparisons to De’Von Achane’s game-breaking acceleration. With superb lateral agility, Brown can make defenders miss before using his track-level speed to outrun secondary defenders. Like Achane, Isaac Brown is a threat to score from anywhere on the field. The NFL has come around on running backs with smaller builds, and with likely Day 2 draft capital, Brown projects best as a dynamic, offensive “slasher” who can be used out of the slot, on pitches, and in wide zone schemes.
Although his size and level of competition at Louisville may scare off dynasty managers looking for a 250-carry workhorse, Brown will be an incredible value in rookie drafts, especially in leagues that give big-play bonuses. I think he’s a bit more landing spot-dependent than the other backs I have ranked ahead of him, but there’s no denying Brown’s speed and talent.
Tier 4 – Here Comes the Depth
No. 11 | Darian Mensah | QB | Miami | 6’3’’ | 205 lbs
Darian Mensah is one of the players I have the toughest time ranking as we approach the start of the college football season. If he ends up being taken in the 1st Round, I’ll have him higher than this. If not? He’ll drop below the other names still to come on this list. For now, let’s talk about Miami’s new starting quarterback.
How did he end up with the Hurricanes? What a long, strange journey it’s been for Mensah. After redshirting his freshman year at Tulane in 2023, he took over the starting job in 2024, throwing for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns. He then commanded a massive NIL package to transfer to Duke for the 2025 season, where he put together an excellent season, throwing for 3,973 yards, 34 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions while guiding the Blue Devils to several exciting wins, including an ACC Championship victory where he earned MVP honors. Following a messy, high-profile legal settlement, Mensah transferred to Miami for the 2026 season as arguably the most coveted quarterback in the transfer portal.
Ironically, if you put former Hurricane quarterbacks Carson Beck and Cam Ward together, you get a decent description of Darian Mensah’s game. He is a cerebral, rhythm-based passer with keen anticipation, operating with a calm demeanor under heavy pressure. His weaknesses? He doesn’t have the strongest arm, lacking the ability to force throws into tight windows. He can also struggle with pressure and fumbles far too often for an NFL coach’s liking.
With the transfer up to Miami, Mensah is that classic quarterback prospect where we’ll quickly know what we’re getting from him as the season moves along. Featuring a talented roster around him, he could either fall on his face or, rather, be a rapidly rising asset whose arrow is pointing straight up. He has already proven he can produce in the ACC, but stepping into Miami’s high-powered offense only raises his ceiling… while potentially lowering his floor. If he shows out this season and locks in 1st Round NFL draft capital, Mensah will be a mandatory pick in the 1st round of Superflex rookie drafts. For now, let’s see how it all unfolds.
No. 12 | Jamari Johnson | TE | Oregon | 6’5’’ | 257 lbs
Tight ends are so incredibly tough to project, but we have to get one in the initial ranking of players here, right? Enter Jamari Johnson.
An exceptional athlete, Johnson initially played for Louisville, flashing his physical gifts before a season-ending ankle injury. He transferred to Oregon last season and immediately added to an already talented offense. With 32 receptions for 510 yards and 3 touchdowns, his rare size and talent helped Oregon during its run through the College Football Playoff.
At a towering 6’5″ and 257 pounds, Johnson is an imposing specimen who is entirely too fast for linebackers to cover yet too strong for defensive backs to bring down. Notably, his raw power and frame will make him an effective in-line blocker, getting him onto the field quickly as a pro. In a league where heavy 12-personnel is increasing in popularity, Johnson is going to be a sought-after player in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Like former teammate Kenyon Sadiq before him, tight end prospects with Johnson’s profile are as popular in dynasty fantasy football as they are with NFL general managers. Especially in Tight End Premium formats, his upside should easily push him into the late 1st round. Given his wide-receiver-like efficiency and his massive inline frame, Jamari Johnson only adds to the depth and talent of this rookie class as an elite asset at a position in need of depth.
No. 13 | Nick Marsh | WR | Indiana | 6’3’’ | 213 lbs
I’ve been a fan of Nick Marsh for some time now, but he seemed to be a lost cause languishing on Michigan State’s roster. Fortunately, Marsh arrives via transfer to defending champion Indiana in hopes of raising his draft profile. Under Curt Cignetti, Marsh should command a lion’s share of the targets in their aggressive passing offense.
Physically, Marsh has always looked the part of a prototypical NFL receiver, combining a 6’3″, 213-pound frame with strong hands and a large catch radius. He uses his size well to box out defensive backs, making him a red zone threat. While he may lack burner speed, his ability to gain yards after the catch with his size and power keeps chains moving. Will Indiana prove to be a pumpkin in their championship follow-up, or will the additions of players like Marsh and Josh Hoover prove there’s more magic left in Cignetti’s stagecoach?
No. 14 | Bryant Wesco Jr. | WR | Clemson | 6’2’’ | 195 lbs
When healthy, Bryant Wesco Jr. has been the lightning bolt to electrify the Clemson offense. The caveat there is “when healthy”, as Wesco’s 2025 was cut short by neck and back injuries. While recently given the green light to resume playing, it’s still a factor that NFL scouts will likely have in the back of their mind come draft season. Despite the injury, he became the fourth-fastest player in Clemson’s storied history of receivers to eclipse 1,000 career receiving yards.
Wesco’s game is built on speed and acceleration. With great body control, he plays much bigger than his listed weight suggests. Adding some size to handle the press coverage of NFL defensive backs should be a focus for the talented receiver, as his receiving skills are already NFL-caliber. Dynasty managers will covet his week-winning explosive potential, provided he recaptures his pre-injury form.
No. 15 | Josh Hoover | QB | Indiana | 6’2’’ | 200 lbs
A longtime favorite of several members of the Dynasty Nerds team, including myself and Jared Wackerly, Josh Hoover enters his senior season as one of the biggest names and stories to watch in college football. After transferring from TCU to Indiana, all eyes will be on Hoover to see if he can adequately fill the shoes of Fernando Mendoza.
Hoover leaves TCU with 31 consecutive starts, and he enters the 2026 season leading all active FBS players in career passing yards with 9,629. Now paired with the aforementioned incoming transfer wide receiver Nick Marsh, Hoover is perfectly positioned to pilot an explosive Indiana passing attack. Starting for the defending National Champions should send his stock soaring in Superflex leagues.
Mechanically, Hoover is a polished veteran passer with great anticipation and processing speed. He has a great touch on short and intermediate throws, and while he does not have the strongest arm, it’s more than adequate to attack all three levels of the field. Hoover maintains poise under pressure, but he will score fantasy points through high-volume passing stats rather than a sort of scrambling mobility. He might not have QB1 upside, but Hoover could live in the range of quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Jared Goff as an undervalued QB2-level asset for healthy SuperFlex rosters.
No. 16 | Ahmad Hardy | RB | Missouri | 5’10’’ | 210 lbs
As you’ve been reading this Big Board, if you’ve been asking yourself, “Wait, where is Ahmad Hardy?” here you go. Before you get upset at his ranking, let me share some thoughts.
Ahmad Hardy’s journey from unheralded recruit to Sun Belt Superstar to the leading rusher in the SEC has been a sight to behold. After his freshman breakout at Louisiana-Monroe, he hit the transfer portal and found a home with Missouri. Racking up 1,649 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, including a 300-yard demolition of Mississippi State. When he’s on the field, he plays with a chip-on-the-shoulder anger. Unfortunately, an off-field shooting incident this offseason raises questions about his readiness to start the season and ultimately his draft stock in the NFL. Despite the stereotypical “ahead of schedule” comments from coaches, it’s entirely possible 2026 will be a de facto medical sabbatical season. I think more than a few people in the dynasty community are sticking their heads in the sand a bit when it comes to the potential seriousness of a gunshot wound to the upper leg, especially for a running back whose game is predicated on power.
Evaluators and recruiting services miss on players all the time, but I also worry about Hardy’s athletic profile. A mere three-star recruit with just one offer from a Division 1 school, Hardy has a dense frame and relishes contact, and while he can turn two-yard losses into gains in college, will that hold up in the pros? He also doesn’t offer much right now as a pass-catcher, limiting his PPR upside. While I am absolutely rooting for the young man to recover from his injury, I think there are some potential red flags that some are glossing over when it comes to Ahmad Hardy as a high-end dynasty asset in the 2027 rookie class.
Tier 5 – Big Schools, Big Names, Big Questions
No. 17 | Jordan Marshall | RB | Michigan | 5’11’’ | 216 lbs
Always the bridesmaid and never the bride, Jordan Marshall is a player not being talked about enough in this upcoming 2027 rookie class. Splitting time with Justice Haynes, Marshall spearheaded the Wolverines backfield with 150 carries for 932 yards and 10 touchdowns. Following Haynes’ mid-season injury, Marshall’s efficiency was brought to full display, routinely hammering opposing defenses late in games. Although Michigan brings in one of the most discussed five-star running backs in this recruiting class, Savion Hiter, Marshall should be set for a monster workload in what should be a higher-volume offense under new coach Kyle Whittingham.
At 5’11” and a sturdy 216 pounds, Marshall is built like an NFL workhorse. He thrives on contact and runs with outstanding leverage. Marshall has both the size and leg drive to consistently break tackles while also having the lateral agility to make defenders miss in tight spaces. His lower-body power will earn him immediate playing time in goal-line situations, and although he doesn’t have the stats to show that he can consistently catch the ball, he also seems adequate at the task. If Michigan’s highly touted quarterback recruit Bryce Underwood can raise his game this season as a sophomore, it should be a tide that lifts all boats, including Jordan Marshall. Football fans should keep their eyes tuned to Ann Arbor to watch how it all unfolds.
No. 18 | T.J. Moore | WR | Clemson | 6’3’’ | 205 lbs
With an early breakout age and a productive resume, T.J. Moore should join his aforementioned teammate Bryant Wesco as a wide receiver to watch for the 2027 NFL Draft. After an impressive freshman campaign, including dropping 9-116-1 in a first-round loss to Texas in the 2024 College Football Playoffs, Moore led Clemson in 2025 with 837 receiving yards on 52 receptions, establishing him as one of the conference’s premier receiving threats. In the mid-October game where teammate Bryant Wesco Jr. was injured, T.J. Moore stepped up in a big way, catching 5 balls for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns against SMU. If Bryant Wesco Jr. returns to form from injury, he and Moore will be one of the most exciting duos to watch in college football this season.
Another big-bodied receiver, Moore has the combination of size, length, and athleticism that should translate from Saturdays to Sunday. He commands the deep part of the field with excellent vertical tracking and high-pointing capabilities. Additionally, Moore offers good yard-after-catch prowess, combining long-striding speed with the frame to break arm tackles. To again highlight just how strong and deep this class could be, Moore is my 18th-ranked player, but I’ve seen him taken in the 1st round of early 2027 NFL mock drafts.
No. 19 | Ian Strong | WR | California | 6’4’’ | 215 lbs
Rutgers isn’t exactly known as a hotbed for NFL talent, but last season, Ian Strong was one of the most talented players in the country that few were talking about. PFF ranked him as their 46th overall player on their 2026 NFL Draft Big Board, but he surprised many by forgoing the NFL Draft and instead transferring to California for his senior season. Now paired with one of the top young quarterback prospects in the country, Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, Strong has a chance to dramatically raise his draft stock for NFL scouts. He leaves the Big Ten with 111 career catches, 1,668 yards, and 12 touchdowns under his belt. By relocating to Cal’s open-spread offensive system, Strong hopes to unlock an even higher ceiling as JKS’s top target.
Add Strong to the list of physically imposing receivers in this rookie class. A former high school safety, he plays with an intense physical edge, routinely dominating cornerbacks at the catch point. His strong hands allow him to win cleanly through contact, and he gives quarterbacks a large and reliable target window. With a weak schedule, Cal unfortunately has only two notable matchups against ranked teams this season, Clemson and SMU. That said, don’t sleep on the potential NFL talent playing late nights in Berkeley this fall.
No. 20 | CJ Carr | QB | Notre Dame | 6’2’’ | 215 lbs
The grandson of legendary Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, CJ Carr sat just a year in South Bend before seizing the starting job as a redshirt freshman for the Fighting Irish last season. He delivered a clinical performance, leading the team to a 10-2 record. Carr shows poise and maturity beyond his years and has a zen-like serenity behind center. Year two as a starter will be telling for Carr, as I’d like to see him elevate from “he can execute the scheme” to something a bit more dynamic. Like a player I’ll talk about later (Julian Sayin), the question is whether Carr can make everyone around him better?
Mechanically, Carr is rock solid, which you would expect coming from a football family. He has a lightning-quick release and is totally comfortable in the pocket. Carr has outstanding ball placement on intermediate crossers, putting his receivers in good position to get more after the catch. While he isn’t going to break ankles as an open-field scrambler, he profiles as a high-floor franchise quarterback in the NFL. He’s the type of play caller who NFL GMs and coaches will trust turning over the keys of their offense. If he doesn’t stay in school for another year, Carr will only add to the immense depth of talent in this rookie class.
No. 21 | Trinidad Chambliss | QB | Ole Miss | 6’0’’ | 205 lbs
Perhaps the best Cinderella story of the 2026 season, I had to find a spot for Trinidad Chambliss on my Big Board. If he can replicate last season’s performance, NFL scouts are going to have to stand up and take notice.
If you don’t know Chambliss’s story, after winning a Division II national title at Ferris State in 2024, he transferred up to Ole Miss. After an injury to starter Austin Simmons, Chambliss suddenly found himself as an SEC starting quarterback and instantly became a hero for Lane Kiffin’s Rebels. Leading them all the way to the College Football Playoff semifinal, Chambliss threw for 3,937 yards, throwing only 3 interceptions. Pure insanity! Yet, things got even wilder in early 2026 when he waged a high-profile legal war against the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility, ultimately securing a court injunction in February to play the 2026 season. How much will the loss of coach Lane Kiffin hurt Chambliss and Ole Miss? That’s one of the biggest question marks going into this season for the underdog superstar.
On the field, Chambliss was akin to a backyard football magician. With an explosive arm, he plays with zero fear. He is capable of launching a 60-yard missile off his back foot or tucking the ball and running for a first down. His play style is fun but volatile. I am fully aware that what I’m about to write isn’t great dynasty fantasy football analysis, but Chambliss simply has an “it factor” that seems undeniable. Like a poor man’s LaNorris Sellers, Chambliss is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward prospect who will likely polarize draftniks and dynasty podcasters next offseason.
No. 22 | Ryan Wingo | WR | Texas | 6’2’’ | 214 lbs
Yet another former five-star recruit in this class full of phenoms, Ryan Wingo looks like he was built in a wide receiver laboratory. After a quiet but respectable freshman campaign, Wingo took a massive leap forward as a sophomore, hauling in 54 catches for 834 yards and 7 touchdowns. Capable of both stretching defenses and making the most from short, manufactured touches, Wingo combines an imposing frame with great speed, making him a tough assignment for isolated coverage. Catching passes from Arch Manning while lined up across from Cam Coleman, Wingo’s arrow is pointing up as he prepares for what should be a monstrous junior season in Austin.
With a goal of winning a National Championship, Wingo will get every chance to shine on Saturdays this fall. He has had some issues with drops, so that’s something he’s going to have to clean up to warrant decent draft capital in such a loaded class. However, once the ball hits his hands and he secures it, he transforms into a running back, piling up yards after the catch. I don’t believe he will ever profile as an NFL team’s alpha wide receiver, but Wingo will make a great complementary receiving piece, like a Jordan Addison-type in an offense that features a Justin Jefferson.
No. 23 | Julian Sayin | QB | Ohio State | 6’1’’ | 214 lbs
I think I first heard the term “game manager” years ago to describe Trent Dilfer, and it has since become a derogatory term for a quarterback prospect. Like a death knell to fantasy output, is Ohio State’s Julian Sayin nothing more than a game manager, distributing footballs to some of the most talented wide receivers in college football? That is the great question, and it’s what makes evaluating quarterbacks so difficult. He is a polarizing evaluation, and I’ve already heard more than one analyst sour on Sayin. Of course, Ohio State’s roster is superior to nearly every opponent they face. Do we have to grade on a curve here? And is that fair?
In head coach Ryan Day’s offense, Sayin threw for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns against just 8 interceptions. His historically absurd 77.0% completion percentage rivals Bo Nix’s recent season-long record of 77.45%. Sayin is the quintessential point guard on grass, getting the ball out of his hands before pass rushers can get near him. He makes up for lacking elite arm strength with pinpoint accuracy and an absolute refusal to turn the football over carelessly. His release is an effortless flick of the wrist. The only area of improvement I’d like to see from Sayin is playing bigger in big moments. Arguably, his weakest games last season were the opener against Texas, a Big Ten Championship game loss to Indiana, and a loss to Miami in the College Football Quarterfinal, where Sayin uncharacteristically threw two interceptions. With their roster, Sayin should have plenty of opportunities this season to prove the doubters wrong.
No. 24 | Ryan Coleman-Williams | WR | Alabama | 6’0’’ | 184 lbs
I really debated putting Ryan Coleman-Williams in this spot. There are so many talented players in this class, and we live in a “what have you done for me lately?” world. You likely know Williams’s story. The Alabama phenomenon entered college early and dominated the SEC as a 17-year old, eventually landing as a cover athlete for EA Sports College Football 26. However, he followed his fantastic freshman year with a dud of a sophomore campaign, often looking lost and tumbling down the Alabama depth chart. Which version will we get for his junior year?
The best of Williams’ highlight tape is a sight to behold. He has mind-bending deceleration and can change direction suddenly as if inertia weren’t a law of physics, leaving defensive backs flying past him like they are on ice skates. Despite his lighter frame, he has an exceptional catch radius and tracks the ball well on deep routes. With a new last name and a new jersey number, I hope Coleman-Williams can regain his form in his third season. The young prospect is still only 19 years old going into his third collegiate season, so he has plenty of time to develop into a talented NFL wide receiver.
No. 25 | Brandon Inniss | WR | Ohio State | 6’0’’ | 199 lbs
There’s a myriad of players I could have picked for the final spot on my Top 25 Rookie Big Board, but I wanted to finish with Brandon Inniss. Many talented young men have had to wait their turn at elite Power 4 programs, and while Inniss may not have the gaudy stats of his star-studded predecessors, he is a key member of the Buckeye offense. Selected as a team captain in 2025, Inniss ground out 36 receptions for 271 yards and 3 scores, competing with Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith for targets. Coaches will love him for being a team leader and “glue guy” who can do all the dirty work that keeps a team running smoothly. I think his stats are a product of a crowded wide receiver room rather than a reflection of his skill set. NFL scouts will look past the box scores and see a valuable pro-in-waiting.
Neither Carnell Tate nor Chris Olave was regarded as top-notch dynasty assets until the final curtain closed on their college careers, and I think Brandon Inniss has a chance to mimic that career arc. Inniss wins with masterful route-running and suddenness off his breaks. His hands are incredibly reliable, and if he can show up for Ohio State this season as their No. 2 option opposite Jeremiah Smith, he’s going to shoot up NFL and dynasty draft boards.
Other Quarterbacks to Watch
| Demond Williams | Washington |
| Jayden Maiava | USC |
| Gunner Stockton | Georgia |
| Sam Leavitt | LSU |
Other Running Backs to Watch
| Raleek Brown | Texas |
| LJ Martin | BYU |
| Darius Taylor | Minnesota |
| Mark Fletcher, Jr. | Miami |
Other Wide Receivers to Watch
| Charlie Becker | Indiana |
| Omarion Miller | ASU |
| Duce Robinson | Florida St |
| KJ Duff | Rutgers |
Other Tight Ends to Watch
| Dorian Thomas | California |
| Trey’Dez Green | LSU |
Conclusion
Rather than looking at this block of top 25 players as a definitive ranking, think of it more as players to watch as the 2026 college football season unfolds. We live in a new world defined by the risk of even the best players forgoing the NFL draft and returning to school for NIL money and more experience. We saw it last year with players like Dante Moore and Justice Haynes, and it’s a trend that will continue this year. There’s no guarantee we’ll see CJ Carr or Julian Sayin in this draft. In fact, who’s to say whether Arch Manning might shock the world and return for a fourth season?
As always, keep our site bookmarked and follow us throughout the season as we track the momentum of these prospects. Stay locked into Dynasty Nerds for the film breakdowns, analytical deep-dives, and mock drafts that will keep you ahead of your league mates all season long.
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